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HOLLOW-WALL ANCHOR, WALL FASTENERS

Description: This is a cylinder-like device with expandable wings.

Buying information: Hollow-wall anchors (commonly called Molly bolts after one trade name) are for hanging things in drywall. They come in a variety of sizes so that they can be used on walls up to 1 1/8 inches thick.

How-to hints: It works like a toggle; however, unlike a toggle, you can remove the mounting screw without losing the hardware behind the wall. Drill a hole, slip the anchor through, and then tighten the screw so the wings in back expand. Withdraw the screw, position the item to be hung, then reinsert and tighten the screw.

Three tips: (1) The flange or smooth part of the anchor should be the same thickness as the wall material. (2) Make sure the hole in the wall is clean and solid. There are little teeth under the head of the anchor, and they must be able to bite into solid material in order for the anchor to stay stationary and the screw to turn. (3) If the anchor starts to turn, you can get a thin forked tool (two-prong collar holder) to hold it stationary.

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